My sisters and I had just
finished singing a beautiful hymn that my brother arranged and the meeting had
come to a close. As usual, we tried to duck quickly out of the chapel so we
could avoid appearing eager for compliments by lingering. We also wanted to
rush out because we were a little embarrassed about the way we sounded, since
our practice before church had sounded much better.
Before we could
escape through the doors, we saw a stranger approaching. The weathered man with
silvery hair and soft, tearful eyes took a moment to grasp for composure before
speaking with a tender voice full of emotion: “If the world could hear you sing,
there would be no more wars”.
The
conviction behind his words was more powerful than the words themselves. Our initial surprise quickly gave
way to deep gratitude, and soon we were all fighting to control our own emotions
as we sincerely thanked him and quietly left the chapel. He did not hear our
imperfections or sense our disappointment in our performance. Instead, he had
allowed the message of the music to touch his soul in a profound way.
Although
this happened many years ago, I have looked back on the moment many times,
especially as the world seems to grow increasingly calloused, irreverent and depressed.
It is hard to keep pervasive negativity from seeping into our own hearts and
homes, as I have experienced firsthand. However, there is so much beauty in the
world as well, if we choose to look for it and refuse to let negative things
have all of our attention.
Interestingly
enough, it is during this time of year – when freezing wind chills the bones
and the sun feels distant and cold – that I feel the most comfort and peace. People
seem kinder and more aware of those around them as Christmas approaches, and
colorful lights chase off the gloom of foggy nights. The crowning jewel of this
season, though, is the music. Beautiful hymns and choral harmonies pay homage
to the single individual who is intimately familiar with my pain and your
sadness. It is during December that we truly take the time to think of Him and
His sacrifice as we join in singing some of the most beautiful words ever
written:
“Son of God,
love’s pure light!” “God
is not dead, nor doth he sleep”
“Christ, the Savior is born!”
“Peace on earth, good
will to men"
“Born is the
king of Israel”
“How silently,
how silently the wondrous gift is giv’n!”
“Let every heart prepare Him
room”
“…take us to
heaven to live with Thee there”
“O come,
thou rod of Jesse, free thine own from Satan’s tyranny”
May we all
keep our focus on Christ, even when times get hard. ESPECIALLY when times get
hard. He didn’t suffer indescribable pain in the Garden of Gethsemane just to
leave us on our own when the challenges of life threaten to overwhelm us. I
imagine he is crying right along with us when our tears of sorrow, shame and disappointment
fall. The One who has descended below it all knows exactly how to comfort us
when no one else can.
So, I am
issuing a challenge to myself and to you this Christmas season and every day
after: be like the receptive man in sacrament meeting and look for the moments
that can change your heart if you let them. One of my favorite hymns says it
most beautifully:
"O ye beneath
life’s crushing load,
Whose forms
are bending low,
Who toil
along the climbing way
With painful
steps and slow;
Look now,
for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly
on the wing;
Oh rest
beside the weary road
And hear the
angels sing.
For lo! The days
are hastening on
By prophets
seen of old,
When with
the ever-circling years
Shall come
the time foretold,
When the new
heaven and earth shall own
The Prince
of Peace, their King,
And the
whole world send back the song
Which now
the angels sing."
- It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
- It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Merry
Christmas!
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